(Time Consuming, but totally cute 4th of July Cake from Good ‘Ole Betty Crocker)

The fact that July has come knocking has me in a bit of a tail spin. The summer is flying by, and I haven’t even been able to slow down to enjoy those “Lazy, Dog Days of Summer” that others speak of in passing.

But as I think of the Fourth of July, there’s just something that marks summer for me when I think of this holiday, and I love it. The smells, sounds, friends, family: it’s all encompassing.

Yet, with planning a bridal shower for my niece, which I am hosting this Thursday, I’ve been focused on other kinds of foods, so if anything festive happens on the 4th, it will have to be quick and easy.

That’s why I appreciate glassware so much, and I love those thrifty finds at yard sale and thrift stores. Anything red, white and blue in a glass is festive, and it’s especially easy to serve fun, beautiful foods, since I have strawberries, blueberries and blackberries at my disposal.

I love finding mismatched glassware for a quarter and easily layering fruit with a dab of whip cream. Serving these in mason jars would also be a great idea, and would give me 51 examples for my mason jar love post.

 4th of July Recipe Ideas

Ever since I first shared my Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe, I think I have made over fifty different trifles. They are so incredibly easy, and make a fabulous 4th dessert with fruit.

Betty Crocker decided we should use her white cake mix and add some red and blue food coloring to the batter for a very vibrant red, white and blue dessert, but I prefer the colors coming from fruit.

So, if you haven’t tried this All American Classic, today is your year. Every one loves this  July 4th Flag Cake and of course, you can click through for the recipe and directions.

If you want to add some quick home decor, try my Dollar Store Design for the 4th. It’s perfect.

As much as the 4th of July represents potlucks, good food and fireworks to many, take the time to really talk with your kids about what this holiday truly represents. It’s so much more than just the birth of our nation.

Here are just a few of the tradition and family fun ideas that I have shared over the years.

Annually,  July 4th has sparked some remarkable discussions about courage and bravery with our kids (and I give some discussion starters).

I also share Five Happy Home Habits with tradition ideas sparked from the 4th of July and its theme of “courage,” as well as some great background discussion on the American Flag, along with a  Family Flag tradition.

Don’t forget that all of my holiday and celebration idea are categorized. Find more 4th of July ideas here.

Do you have any family traditions that you celebrate on the 4th of July?

What fun foods does your family usually eat to celebrate?

I’ve  been out of town and sharing a repost from 2012.